Job Description

Software Engineer - Production Innovation Lab

Up to $75/hr W2 Contract, Hybrid onsite in Burbank

Our client is a leading name in broadcast and streaming media, seeking a talented engineer for a brand new team. This is an initial 4-6 month contract with opportunity to extend or convert to FTE. 4 days per week onsite in Burbank, CA.

About the Team

The Production Innovation Team drives advancements in episodic television through cutting-edge tools and workflows. We support production, post-production, and other departments by introducing new technologies, providing education, and guiding teams to enhance creativity and efficiency. The Production Innovation Lab in Burbank is a hands-on showroom and education center showcasing 8-10 rotating stations featuring the latest production technologies, with a focus on ethical, creator-first generative AI and innovative solutions.

About the Role

The Production Innovation Lab Specialist will play a key role in launching and operating the lab, setting up and maintaining advanced tools, building engaging demos, and integrating systems. This hybrid role requires software development, AI expertise, systems integration, and media proficiency. Ideal candidates are adaptable, scrappy technologists eager to explore emerging technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and package engaging demos for lab stations, ensuring high-quality A/V materials (e.g., MP4s, Unreal Engine outputs).
• Configure and integrate hardware/software, including generative AI tools, cloud-based systems, and AR/VR workflows, within a secure environment.
• Implement AI-driven workflows (e.g., prompt engineering, model training) and compile or write custom code as needed.
• Connect cloud and desktop systems with specialty hardware (e.g., AR/VR devices, touch screens).
• Oversee demo functionality during testing (pre-launch, ~June 2025) and daily operations, troubleshooting issues.
• Document tool/system implementations for team reference.
• Research emerging technologies and propose intuitive demo solutions.

Required Qualifications

• 3-5 years as a Software Engineer, ideally on interactive toolsets (e.g., exhibits, showrooms).
• Strong Python proficiency (priority) for AI/ML ecosystems; familiarity with C++, C#, React, or AppleScript a plus.
• Knowledge of generative AI, prompt engineering, LLMs, and ML libraries (data ingestion, model training, prediction).
• Experience integrating cloud/desktop systems and specialty hardware within secure protocols.
• Familiarity with media formats (e.g., MP4s, Nuke, Unreal Engine—Unreal prioritized) and post-production/VFX pipelines (Avid a plus).
• Eagerness to learn new tools and explore AI/production innovations.
• Scrappy mindset for building standalone demo stations.
• Strong sense of user experience (UX) for intuitive demo interactions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with VFX pipelines or automation tools (e.g., Flow, Shotgun).
• Familiarity with Unity (in addition to Unreal).
• Plugin development for filmmaking apps (e.g., Maya, Houdini).
• API or media workflow automation.

Please note, this is a W2 contract (no C2C) with an onsite requirement. US Work Authorization without sponsorship only - we are unable to sponsor at this time.

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